Saqib Khan Seven Wickets on Test Debut
Debutant pacer Saqib Khan took seven wickets for 130 runs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 446 on the fourth day of the first Test in Rawalpindi on Thursday, giving the visitors a 12-run first-innings lead over Pakistan. The figures read Saqib Khan seven wickets for 130 runs in 34 overs, a return that turned the morning firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
Sri Lanka resumed on 404 for four and added only 42 runs before losing their last six wickets. Saqib led the fightback after the visitors had dominated day three, when centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis carried them past 400.
Saqib Khan seven wickets: how the morning unfolded
Saqib struck in the first over of the day, dismissing the well-set Dhananjaya de Silva for 167 off 246 deliveries, including 20 boundaries. The wicket broke a 249-run partnership that had frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers through day three.
He struck again in the following over, removing Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis, who departed after an impressive 119 off 202 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes. Saqib then worked through the lower order, accounting for Sonal Dinusha for 20, Lahiru Kumara for nought and Asitha Fernando for four. Razaullah dismissed Milan Rathnayaka for 12.
Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets and Razaullah chipped in with one as Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for 42 runs. The collapse gave Pakistan a way back into a match that had looked to be slipping away at the end of day three.
De Silva and Kusal centuries set up the lead
Sri Lanka’s position was built on the third day, when de Silva and Kusal shared a stand of 249 runs. De Silva reached his 14th Test century, while Kusal registered his 11th Test century, and the pair carried the visitors past Pakistan’s first-innings total of 434 in stages.
Kamindu Mendis had earlier steadied the innings with a half-century, scoring 58 off 131 deliveries in a 90-run stand with de Silva. Abbas ended that resistance to leave Sri Lanka at 155 for four, but the middle order then took control. Feature Pakistan reported on the centuries from de Silva and Kusal as the partnership grew on day three.
Saqib had already made his mark earlier in the match. He took his maiden international wicket on the second day, removing Dinesh Chandimal for one, and later dismissed Lahiru Udara for 42. Abbas removed opener Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a seven-ball duck in the same spell.
A debut to remember
Seven wickets in an innings is a rare feat for any bowler on Test debut, and Saqib achieved it in a match where Pakistan’s attack had toiled for long spells. His wickets came at the moments that mattered most: the two set batters in successive overs, then three of the last four wickets as Sri Lanka’s tail folded.
The 12-run lead is slender, and the match remains open. Pakistan’s first innings of 434 showed the pitch still offers runs, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers will take heart from the way their batters were eventually worn down. The result is likely to turn on Pakistan’s second innings and on the weather, with rain already a threat to the fourth day in Rawalpindi.
What happens next
Pakistan will bat again with the match level in effect, trailing by only 12 runs. A strong second innings would put Sri Lanka under pressure on a wearing pitch, while early wickets could hand the visitors control.
The series continues in Rawalpindi, after the second Test was moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s recent form in white-ball cricket has been strong, with Abrar Ahmed breaking into the top three of the ICC ODI rankings, but the Test side will want a result here to set the tone for the series.
Frequently asked questions
How many wickets did Saqib Khan take on his Test debut?
Seven wickets for 130 runs in 34 overs, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 446 in their first innings in Rawalpindi.
What was Sri Lanka’s first-innings total?
Sri Lanka scored 446 in 117.2 overs, giving them a 12-run lead over Pakistan’s first-innings total of 434.
Who scored centuries for Sri Lanka?
Dhananjaya de Silva scored 167 and captain Kusal Mendis scored 119. The pair shared a 249-run partnership.
What was Pakistan’s first-innings total?
Pakistan scored 434 in their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Where will the second Test be played?
In Rawalpindi. The second Test was moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi.
